The Journey of Ivan Demidov to Montreal Accelerates
Since the Canadiens drafted Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick ten days ago, anticipation has been building among fans for his eventual debut in Montreal’s top-six. While Demidov’s selection signals his potential as a future star, his current contractual obligations in Russia are likely to delay his NHL debut until at least the 2024-25 season, barring unforeseen developments.
Recent shifts in Russian hockey governance, however, could expedite Demidov’s transition to North America. The KHL’s recent separation from the IIHF and its new alignment under the Russian Hockey Federation introduces significant changes affecting both current and prospective players. This restructuring grants NHL teams like the Canadiens greater flexibility in negotiating player transfers directly with KHL clubs. Such negotiations could potentially facilitate Demidov’s early arrival in Montreal, though the details, including financial arrangements, remain to be defined.
Marc Dumont’s analysis for MontrealHockeyNow underscores these developments, suggesting that Demidov’s immediate transfer might not be imperative but could prove advantageous if his playing time at SKA in the KHL faces constraints. For now, the prospect of Demidov, along with fellow prospects Bogdan Konyushkov and Yevgeni Volokhin, joining the Canadiens in the near term remains speculative, contingent upon how today’s changes resonate within the Russian hockey landscape.
Looking ahead, the upcoming season could see Demidov honing his skills in the KHL, a competitive league that offers ample opportunity for development. Should circumstances at SKA or similar clubs limit his playing opportunities, the prospect of negotiating his early NHL transition becomes increasingly appealing.
while Ivan Demidov’s immediate presence in Montreal remains uncertain, recent regulatory adjustments within Russian hockey signal a potential pathway for accelerated movement. As the Canadiens strategize to maximize Demidov’s talent and potential impact, observers will keenly monitor how these regulatory changes translate into tangible opportunities for the promising young forward.
